Apple Day is Saturday at Ravalli County Museum

The parking spaces in downtown Hamilton are at a premium on the annual McIntosh Apple Day at the Ravalli County Museum. The crowds that have appeared on this annual Autumn festival are among the largest for any event this season in the Bitterroot Valley. The location is where the weekly Hamilton Farmers Market happens every Saturday. October 6th, though, the booths at South 3rd and Bedford will include crafters and artists from outside the valley, starting at 9 a.m. Admission is free.

And then, there's the apples. The Bitterroot Valley was home to a burgeoning apple industry in the last century. Those heritage orchards still produce McIntosh apples, which, with other varieties, are combined into over 500 homemade apple pies that will be sold in slices or as whole pies to help fund the museum.There will lots of food - caramel apples, apple butter, apple cider and even apple chutney. Local musicians including the Montana Acappella Society will be providing the entertainment and the raffle will have tons of prizes. But the fun continues into the night.

A box of apples. (KLYQ File Photo, Townsquare Media)

Liquid Apple Night will start at 5 p.m. and for $30 you can enter the rows of different hard ciders from local brewers and those of other areas. You must 21 years of age to come to Liquid Apple Night. Some of the food vendors are going to stay open through that event too. Burn barrels and propane heaters will be available for some warmth, too. National Geographic Traveler Online named the Apple Day as one of Montana's Best Fall Festivals. Find out for yourself!